A mixed-methods study of the development and evaluation of an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-based group intervention for post-traumatic cognitions and fear of compassion among trauma-exposed adolescents in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC).

BACKGROUND

Adolescents in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) often suffer multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences, leading to high rates of distorted Post-Traumatic Cognitions (PTC) and Fear of Compassion (FC). Tailored, evidence-based psychological interventions are essential for this group.

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-methods study aimed to design, validate, and empirically evaluate a Internal Family Systems (IFS)-based group intervention for trauma-exposed adolescents in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC).

PARTICIPANTS AND

SETTING

Fifty trauma-exposed adolescents (27 female, 23 male) were purposively selected from 180 OOHC residents and randomly assigned to the IFS (n = 25) or control (n = 25) group.

METHODS

The IFS protocol was first developed and validated qualitatively via content analysis and expert review. The quantitative quasi-experimental phase utilized a pre-post-follow-up design to assess PTC and FC using standardized measures across three time points.

RESULTS

IFS led to significant reductions across all PTC subscales. The strongest and most stable effect was on Negative Self-Cognitions (η2 = 0.40), while the most immediate change, aligning with IFS theory regarding Protector Parts, was seen in Self-Blame (η2 = 0.22). FC also decreased significantly, with the largest improvements in FC-for oneself (η2 = 0.31) and FC-for others (η2 = 0.27). These effects were maintained at the two-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings support the effectiveness of the IFS in improving trauma-related cognitive and emotional outcomes. Crucially, the change pattern suggests that IFS promotes recovery by first establishing internal self‑leadership and self-compassion, which then gradually generalizes to interpersonal relationships. This provides a promising model for structural trauma recovery in vulnerable youth.